Discover the world and the trend of romantic décor, and bring with it a little love to your home.

We all want our homes filled with love, but the romantic décor trend is more about soft feminine energy. It is elegant and subtle, more like a rose-petal bath over a gigantic, stuffed Cupid teddy bear. The trend has roots in romanticism, an artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the late 18th-century and profoundly influenced various forms of creative expression, including interior décor. Rooted in a fascination with nature, emotion, and the sublime, romanticism in interior décor sought to infuse spaces with a sense of passion, beauty, and nostalgia.

The original movement was far more flamboyant than we would aspire to today, as fans of the BBC’s Marie Antoinette series can testify. The Palace of Versailles under Louis XV was a cornucopia of exuberant and frivolous adornment. Beds were canopied, wallpaper was hand painted with exquisite floral designs, and rooms rustled with whispers of velvet and silk. 

Modern romantic décor, by contrast, is far humbler and less outwardly decadent. Though comfort and subtle luxury still play key roles, there is far less flamboyance. In particular, the palate is more muted, with beige, pale rose, lavender and powder blue taking centre stage.

Achieving the look
When selecting upholstery, choose warm, soft tones that create a feeling of cosiness. Fabrics such as linen, suede and velvet will boost the warmth and sensuality of the room, while a cashmere blanket adds that extra layer of luxe. 

Furniture and decor pieces in traditional romantic interiors were often characterised by ornate detailing and intricate craftsmanship. Elaborate carvings, curvaceous lines, and decorative flourishes were typical in cabinets, chairs, and mirrors. The goal was to create furniture that was not just functional but also a work of art. 

The updated look still incorporates curved lines, but there is less intricacy. Choose wooden furniture with a more French rustic feel – a solid wooden dining table, a vintage armoire in washed-out grey or an antique chest of drawers that boasts more curves than a corseted lady. 

Lighting
The heft and solidity of this kind of furniture should be contrasted with more elegant pieces, such as an enormous mirror with a gilt frame, brass table lamps, and, for the really bold – a chandelier. 

Lighting is an essential aspect of this look. Dimmable bulbs help create softer lighting, yet even a few strategically placed candles can boost the romantic aesthetic of a room. 

Sentimentality
Traditional romantic décor also often featured personal effects and possessions. Keepsakes, family portraits, and mementoes were proudly displayed, allowing the inhabitants to surround themselves with cherished memories and loved ones. This individual touch added a layer of emotional depth to the décor, reinforcing the idea that the interior space reflected the occupant’s inner world.

In our modern commercialised world, these personal touches can be the line between your living room looking like a showroom or a true home. Similarly, the natural world featured heavily in the original trend, and fresh flowers and plants can help realise this look authentically, especially if placed in vintage vases or pots. 

Shaping the look
Finally, invest in some transparent curtains. Sheer drapes can be fashioned from delicate, flowing materials such as voile, silk, chiffon, organza, and lace. These styles of curtains transform intense sunlight into a gentler, subdued glow, offering both seclusion and the sensation of a room filled with soft, airy illumination. For a more flowing appearance, consider layering them, opting for extended panels, and letting the curtain gently touch or create a puddle on the floor.